Prize money increase for Aus Political Book of the Year

The prize money for the Australian Political Book of the Year Award has increased in its second year to $15,000 for the winner, with each shortlisted author to also receive $1000.

First awarded in 2022 to Telling Tennant’s Story (Dean Ashenden, Black Inc.) and jointly sponsored by Collins Booksellers and communications firm York Park Group, the award is intended to recognise the part political books play in better understanding Australian politics and public policy, and the book that provides the most compelling contribution to this understanding. The inaugural award was worth $10,000; however, Ashenden said the award’s value also lay in its impact on media attention for his work.

‘In the months after publication the reception given Telling Tennant’s Story in both mass and specialist media was a disappointment to me, and to the publisher,’ said Ashenden. ‘The Award made a real difference—perhaps all the difference. In the weeks following I did a number of media appearances and received invitations to give talks to several interested groups and to do a session at Adelaide Writers Week. The proof of the pudding? In January of this year Telling Tennant’s Story went to a second printing.’

Said Black Inc. senior publisher Chris Feik: ‘The Australian Political Book of the Year Award is a wonderful addition to Australian publishing and politics. With bookseller support and authoritative judges, it immediately established itself as a key award for Australian nonfiction writing. The selection of Dean Ashenden’s Telling Tennant’s Story brought an excellent book to a much wider readership.’

The 2023 Australian Political Book of the Year Award will be judged by Barrie Cassidy, Laura Tingle, and John Warhurst. The award will open for a second round of submissions on 15 June. For more information see the award website here.

Category: Awards Local news